A legal dispute has arisen regarding the iconic Sonic Adventure 2 theme song, “Live and Learn,” as Johnny Gioeli of Crush 40 has filed a lawsuit against Sega of America. The lawsuit, submitted in California earlier this December, alleges that Sega breached its contract by extensively using the song without proper licensing agreements.
Gioeli claims that while Sega owns the rights to the song’s lyrics, he retains ownership of the “master recording and composition.” The lawsuit alleges that Sega has used the track in at least 25 titles, such as Sonic Generations, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Yakuza 4, without authorization or compensation. Gioeli asserts that Sega’s rights were limited to the song’s initial inclusion in Sonic Adventure 2 and did not extend to subsequent games or projects.
The dispute traces back to a 2001 agreement in which Gioeli was reportedly paid $3,000 to write the lyrics for the then-unnamed track. However, he argues that his contributions went far beyond this, encompassing recording, arrangement, production, and vocal performance. Gioeli states that he has consistently registered the master recording with licensing agencies, including BMI, and retains ownership of it.
As a longtime collaborator with Sega composer Jun Senoue since the late 1990s, Gioeli has played a pivotal role in shaping Sonic’s musical identity. Beyond Live and Learn, Crush 40’s notable tracks include “Open Your Heart” from Sonic Adventure and “Green Light Ride” for Team Sonic Racing. The duo also performed during the Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Symphony in 2021.
Despite this history, Gioeli alleges that Sega’s use of Live and Learn lacked the transparent agreements seen in his later works. A Sega lawyer reportedly acknowledged in 2024 that the song is a “joint work” and offered Gioeli 50% of profits, but did not admit ownership or provide a full royalty accounting.
Gioeli is seeking over $500,000 in damages for breach of contract and an additional $500,000 in unpaid royalties. He has also requested the court to determine the rightful owner of the song’s master recordings and enforce equitable compensation.
Although the lawsuit is unrelated to the song’s inclusion in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie, Gioeli has expressed hope for a fair resolution, stating, “I believe and hope we will come to a peaceful settlement that will be fair and just.”
Sega of America has not yet commented on the matter.
As fans closely follow this case, Live and Learn remains one of the most beloved tracks in the Sonic franchise. Regardless of the outcome, the dispute underscores the complexities of music rights and licensing in the gaming industry. Gioeli’s contributions to Sonic’s musical legacy remain an enduring part of gaming history.
Stay tuned to Sonic City for more Sonic News and Updates!
Source: Polygon
